Application of the Seveso II Directive in Slovenia with the Support of GIS

Abstract

The European Union (EU), like Central and Eastern European countries, faces severe challenges and increasing problems from a wide range of disasters and emergencies, many of them arising from technological hazards. There is no doubt that major accidents involving loss of life, health consequences, material and environmental damage will continue to occur throughout Europe and the rest of the world. In order to cope with these hazards from industrial installations and reduce the resulting risks, a systematic approach has to be applied and embedded within legislation. Following the Seveso accident in 1976, such legislation has been adopted in the EU - the so-called Seveso II Directive (Kirschsteiger 1998, see also Chapter 9).